Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How could new data center rules change Austin’s power and water future?

Also check out 6-Week Bring Your Own Project Class at Feats of Clay Pottery on the Austin Patch calendar

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Thursday August 20th Patch AM
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Hello again Austin! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How could new data center rules change Austin's power and water future?
  • How many new Amazon robotics jobs are headed to Austin?
  • Who's vying for your Austin City Council seat this November?

Also on today's calendar: 6-Week Bring Your Own Project Class at Feats of Clay Pottery and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 104 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 105, low: 76.
  • Saturday: Record-tying heat, with a high of 107 and low of 78 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Austin considers stricter rules for data centers amid water, energy concerns (cbsaustin.com) — Austin leaders are weighing stricter rules on data centers as interest grows in much larger, power-hungry facilities connecting to Austin Energy. Staff proposals would tighten land-use, zoning, water-efficiency, noise, and lighting standards, with a dedicated City Council work session on Aug. 25 and potential code-amendment action on Aug. 27.
   

2. Amazon to build multibillion-dollar robotics manufacturing facility in Austin (cbsaustin.com) — Amazon plans a multibillion-dollar robotics manufacturing facility in Austin, bringing an estimated 300 to 500 new manufacturing and engineering jobs to the area. State leaders tout the project as part of Texas' innovation boom, and Amazon cites Austin's talent, universities, and community partnerships as key reasons for choosing the city, though the exact site and timeline aren't yet announced.
   

3. Who's Running for City Council This Fall? • The Austin Chronicle (austinchronicle.com) — Five Austin City Council seats are on the ballot this November, and candidates are now set for districts 1, 3, 5, 8, and 9. The piece outlines each incumbent's record, key controversies, and challengers' backgrounds so you can compare options before the Oct. 5 voter registration deadline and decide who should represent your part of the city.
   

4. Tesla's Robotaxi gets caught crashing through bollards, just as it readies the purpose-built Cybercab for public roads (techradar.com) — A Tesla Robotaxi in Austin recently drove through plastic bollards near a curb extension, raising fresh questions about the company's "impeccable" safety claims. As Tesla prepares to test its steering-wheel-free Cybercab and expand its autonomous fleet in Austin, local riders could soon see more of these fully driverless vehicles on tightly geofenced city streets.
   

5. The Kaleidoscopic Hues of Austin's Queer Comedy Gems • The Austin Chronicle (austinchronicle.com) — Austin's queer comedy scene is thriving, with women, nonbinary, and queer performers building their own safer, more inclusive shows at venues like Fallout Theater, Cozy Cannabis, ColdTowne, and Barrett's Too. From monthly showcases and open mics to improv troupes and DEI-focused lineups, these comics are reshaping what Austin comedy looks and feels like for marginalized performers and audiences.
   

📸 Around Austin

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Austin

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Austin Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday August 20
  • 2nd Grade Back to School
    Bridge Point El Austin, TX 78746
    7:40 am
  • 3rd Grade B2S Meeting
    Forest Trail El Austin, TX 78746
    7:45 am
  • Parent Orientation 4th Grade
    Cedar Creek El Austin, TX 78746
    7:45 am
  • Ribbon Cutting: Taqueria De Diez
    Westlake Chamber of Commerce Taqueria De Diez 3736 Bee Caves Road, Suite 2 West Lake Hills, Texas 78746
    4:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The Austin Travel Moment That Hit Like Late‑Night Nachos —Rachel K Belkin Read on Patch
  • Harmony School of Endeavor Ranked Among Top 10 High Schools in Austin Metroplex —Tracie Seed Read on Patch
  • Harmony Awarded $317,870 JET Grant from Texas Workforce Commission —Tracie Seed Read on Patch
  • Huge thank-you to some wonderful neighbors!
    Hello, Oak Forrest! My name is Suarez Anderson. I've lived in this area for 15 years (the last 3 right here in Oak Forrest). I just wanted to… (Nextdoor Oak Forest)
  • I got the job!
    Step one down. I will start by the next week ends. Absolutely excited. Mainly bc it's a clothes retail job and I was told I was a great fit. Thanks… (Nextdoor Montopolis Grove Blvd)
  • City of Austin Texas posted a job opening for Irrigation Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation) in Austin. Apply here.
  • Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. posted a job opening for Machine Operator 1 - SPS in Austin. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Austin here.

Ok Austin! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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